2019 State of the County address

Dear fellow King County employee,

Yesterday I delivered my 2019 State of the County address at the Preston Community Center in East King County around the theme of our “True North”: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

These words sum up all that we’ve been working toward in the almost 10 years that I have served as your County Executive, and what we will continue to focus our efforts on in 2019 and beyond.

In my address, I announced a new Public Health model for maternity and nutrition services that includes the creation of four Mobile Teams to deliver maternity and nutrition services, and a new Community Support Program offering one-on-one visits by a social worker or other health professional to the highest-needs clients, allowing us to more effectively serve women, families, and children in our communities.

I also announced transit technology upgrades – beginning as early as next month – to provide better real-time information for apps like “One Bus Away”, so customers can get alerts when their bus trip is canceled or a bus stop is added or closed.

I also highlighted the actions we are taking to fight homelessness in our region, and the innovative solutions we are continuing to implement to get people into shelter, connected to services, and on their way to permanent housing. This summer, we will open SODO Interim Housing in modular dorms previously used to house oil field workers. By the end of the year, we plan to open the Elliott Avenue Shelter, modular housing and enhanced shelter services for 72 currently homeless people.

None of this work is possible without you and your colleagues, and I thank you for your dedication and commitment to your customers. I used yesterday’s address to say a special thank you to Metro operator Eric Stark, who after being shot in Lake City on March 29, safely steered his bus and passengers several blocks out of danger. I also acknowledged the Department of Local Services roads crew – some of whom work out of the Preston Maintenance Facility – for their tireless work during February’s unprecedented snowstorm. Their efforts, and the efforts of every employee, bring us closer to that True North, which you will hear more about over the coming months.

I encourage you to read the transcript or watch the video of my State of the County address to learn more about the initiatives and priorities I set out yesterday. I will also deliver my address to the King County Council on Wednesday, April 24, and you are invited to watch the live stream (more details to come).

I look forward to continuing our work together for the people of King County as we fix our sights on our True North and the promise it holds for this region.

KC Employees Twitter

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